Why You Need a VPN for Smart TV

When it comes to accessing the best streaming services online, there’s one big drawback for most users.

Geoblocks.

Platforms like Netflix and HBO GO have plenty of different catalogs, depending on the region – and some are much better than others. Whether it’s the latest releases or classic shows, you’ll often find a title missing in your country’s Netflix offering, while it’s available in many others. Frustrating, right?

What’s more, many other streams are available in just one or two regions. For example, Hulu is exclusive to the U.S. and Japan, and BBC’s variety of channels can only be watched if you’re within the U.K.

In short, geoblocks can ruin your late evening plans to, well, do nothing and relax with some quality content. This holds true for any device that supports these popular streaming apps – including smart TVs.

Here’s where a reliable VPN comes to the rescue. By connecting to a VPN server in a suitable country and obtaining a new IP address, you can “change” your digital location to one that allows you to get the best version of your streaming service. That way, you gain access to much more content, and never have to miss out on the latest series.

Notice how we said reliable? That’s because most well-known streams have also started blocking VPNs and other similar tools. If you’re using a proxy or VPN that isn’t equipped to get past these extra blocks, chances are you’ll quickly run into issues – like the notorious Netflix proxy error:

The bottom line? You need a VPN service that’s proven itself as a solid and secure choice for streaming, along with the servers and features to guarantee fast and easy access.

With the right VPN by your side, you’ll be able to watch a bunch of streams without any restrictions, including:

That said, there are several areas your VPN needs to cover for hassle-free streaming – especially on your smart TV. Let’s take a closer look.

What to Look for in a VPN for Smart TV

Just like VPN services, not all smart TVs are the same. The most important thing you need to know – while some smart TV models support VPN apps, many others don’t.

For example, if your smart TV is based on the Android operating system, you can pair it with your VPN’s Android app – job done! This is usually the case with newer Sony and Sharp models.

On the other hand, many Samsung models don’t have Android TV, so you can’t just install a VPN app on those and call it a day.

But even if you can’t configure a VPN directly on your smart TV, there are other ways to make it work – like getting yourself a VPN router.

Connecting your smart TV to a VPN router is a surefire way of getting all the benefits a VPN offers, even on devices that don’t have native VPN support. We won’t cover the whole process here, but you’re invited to check out our in-depth guide on installing a VPN router, where we walk you through all the steps and important details.

With all that in mind, let’s look at the features you need from your VPN for smart TV:

A huge server park, so you always have options to access your favorite streams and bypass geoblocks. The best VPNs offer thousands of reliable servers worldwide, but there are exceptions.

Fast speeds for guaranteed performance without video buffering or connectivity issues. Look for a VPN that consistently scores high in speed tests.

Helpful streaming features, so you can always reach the content you need. These come in many shapes and sizes – from integrated, automatic server settings to extra features for devices that don’t support VPNs.

Intuitive Android apps, which you can easily install on any Android-based smart TV.

Compatibility with routers, in case your smart TV doesn’t work with VPN apps. Ideally, you also want your provider to offer detailed instructions and dedicated customer support for extra assistance with the setup.

Strong security – even though it’s not usually a top priority for smart TVs, you need bulletproof encryption and guaranteed privacy. The top VPNs for your smart TV are also the most secure on the market, with support for the industry standard OpenVPN protocol and tight zero-logs policies – meaning you’ll enjoy safe and private streaming.

Now that you know the benefits of a VPN for your smart TV (and what it needs to work flawlessly), it’s time to get familiar with the VPN services that earned the top five spots in our tests.

These Are the Best VPNs for Smart TV

NordVPN is an excellent choice for any platform, and smart TVs are no exception.

With this VPN, you can freely access almost anything online – including the best Netflix catalogs, BBC, HBO GO, and much more. Thousands of fast servers and the proprietary SmartPlay feature make NordVPN a leader for reliable streaming, and an overall crowd favorite.

The Android app is easily installed on any model running Android TV. It also comes with best-in-class 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN support – so your browsing history and its contents are safe and hidden.

If you need help with the configuration, NordVPN offers step-by-step walkthroughs for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. You’ll also find a variety of tutorials for routers – from DD-WRT and Tomato to virtual ones with pfSense.

For real-time assistance, NordVPN provides 24/7 customer support with live chat. You can even get a dedicated expert to help you out with your router setup – just choose the Router category when getting in touch.

Overall, NordVPN is simple to use, full of features, and easy to install with all the extra help. It covers everything you need for your smart TV at a great price, earning it the #1 spot on our list.

Thanks to its global server coverage and outstanding performance, ExpressVPN is another top-rated VPN for streaming – and anything else. But does it work with smart TVs?

Absolutely. You can install the user-friendly Android app if your device allows it, or you can opt for an easier-than-average router setup with ExpressVPN’s custom firmware. Even if your router can’t handle it, a traditional configuration is possible on many other popular firmwares.

There’s more. The MediaStreamer feature provides an advanced proxy service for devices without native VPN support. You can set it up straight from the website. If you don’t feel like tweaking your router, you can still equip your smart TV with extra unblocking power to catch the latest on Netflix, Hulu, and all the other streams ExpressVPN works with.

Whatever you decide, ExpressVPN’s friendly customer support is ready to guide you through every step of the way, 24 hours a day. From basic questions to advanced setup instructions, you’re covered.

It’s even better if your model can run one of CyberGhost’s excellent apps, currently available for Android TV and various Fire OS devices. Boasting easy access to thousands of servers and a dedicated streaming profile, this VPN can help you watch just about anything online.

Even if VPN apps aren’t an option for your smart TV, worry not. CyberGhost can be installed on many different routers, with helpful tutorials to get you started. If you aren’t sure what you’re doing, you can always reach out to customer support and get live assistance in a chat session.

Surfshark may be a new service compared to others on our list, but it’s already proven itself as a premium VPN.

Part of that is due to its versatility – Surfshark works great on any smart TV model. Whether it’s the dedicated apps or router setups, this VPN offers all you need for smooth and secure streaming.

Netflix access isn’t an issue with this VPN, and you’re sure to enjoy many other geoblocked streams. For server suggestions and assistance with the setup, you can rely on the responsive 24/7 support to help you out.

You can also use Surfshark on as many devices as you want, at the same time – just one of the great perks of a fresh VPN provider. We suspect this awesome feature won’t be around forever, so take advantage while you can!

With just over 100 servers, PrivateVPN may not look like the ideal choice for streaming on your smart TV. But as we mentioned earlier, there are exceptions – and this VPN is one of them.

PrivateVPN reliably gets past Netflix blocks. It also works with Hulu and BBC. Impressive results for a VPN with a compact server list.

But here’s what really puts PrivateVPN ahead of many others – this provider keeps its servers and hardware very close. The essential aspects are maintained in-house from Sweden, where the service is based. This results in a stable VPN with a solid track record for reliability.

If your smart TV is based on Android or Amazon’s Fire OS, pairing it with PrivateVPN is as simple as installing the app. For other models, you can set up a VPN router with the help of detailed guides. The excellent customer support will also help you with the full configuration – all you need to do is ask.

Overall, PrivateVPN is a great choice for your smart TV if you don’t mind fewer servers. Not 100% sure about this service? Maybe somereviews from real userswill help you decide.

Conclusion

Installing a VPN on a smart TV can be either a one-minute task or a challenge – but with one of our recommended VPNs, you can make things easy for yourself. Just turn it on, tune in, and enjoy secure streaming without any blocks in your way. Happy binging!

Ran Greenberg is an entrepreneur and Investor with vast experience in BD & Venture Capital, identifying and leading high-tech investment opportunities. Hands on experience with due diligence and strategic analysis, deal structure, Board Member in portfolio companies post investment until IPO or M&A. Holds negotiation & conflict management skills, out of the box thinking, team building & management experience.

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